BROTHER and sister Matthew and Emma Rimmer are home for Christmas after a life-saving kidney swap.

They spent eight hours undergoing operations last week so that Emma, aged 27, could donate one of her healthy kidneys to her desperately ill younger brother.

Emma, a sports teacher at Harper Green High School in Farnworth, and 24-year-old Matthew, were discharged together from Manchester Royal Infirmary on Wednesday.

Now the family's dreams of a perfect Christmas look set to come true as the pair prepare to celebrate the festive period surrounded by family and friends.

Emma, from Harwood said: "I'm delighted to be home for Christmas and it's such a bonus that we came home together. I'm so glad it's all over, I'm still in quite a lot of pain and it's uncomfortable trying to get around, but I'm really pleased because Matthew is doing really well.

"It seems to have worked instantly. He is chirpy and back to his old self."

Matthew, of Brook Gardens, Harwood, said he already feels fighting fit and cannot thank his big sister enough.

He said: "I can feel a big improvement already and I'm so pleased I'm out of hospital much earlier than I though I would be. I'm also delighted that all the worry and stress is over.

"I just can't thank Emma enough for what she has done for me, I'm so grateful."

Brave Emma donated one of her healthy kidneys to Matthew after his failed because of a genetic disease.

He was just 18 when the organs shut down as a result of Alport's syndrome, an inherited kidney condition.

Matthew was given a transplant, but his new kidney failed last year, and since then he has had to endure three four-hour dialysis sessions every week.

He was placed on the waiting list for a new kidney, but Emma decided she would donate one of her own healthy organs when she learned it was a good match.

Even though Emma has initially bounced back from the original surgery, it will take at least four months for her to fully recover, and the family still faces an anxious few weeks as doctors wait to see if the operation has been completely successful.

If everything goes well, Matthew is expected to be back on his feet in just a few weeks.

Mum Marlene Rimmer, of Brook Gardens, Harwood, said: "It's absolutely wonderful to have them both home and they're doing so well. It's going to be a brilliant Christmas, although I'm not at all ready for it because I thought they would still be in hospital, but we'll make the most of every moment."